Families gather in Mullingar to remember road traffic victims

One of the most poignant events on the calendar in Westmeath each year is the Irish Road Victims Association (IRVA) ceremony marking World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

This year's event takes place this Sunday, November 15, at Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullingar, beginning at 12 noon.

As well as families attending and participating in memory of loved ones they have lost, those expected to attend include Minister of State Seán Canney, TD; mayor of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, Cllr Niall Gaffney; and Assistant Garda Commissioner Denis Ferry.

The ceremony will open with a performance by lone piper Dave Kelly, followed by music from the Mullingar Gospel Choir.

A dove release will be followed by a welcome address from master of ceremonies Noel O'Callaghan.

The programme will include a number of musical tributes and spoken reflections, many by members of families who have been affected by road deaths, as well as blessings by Fr Seán McDermott and Canon Ian Horner.

Prayers will also be recited for the various emergency services and road users, including The Fireman's Prayer, The Policeman's Prayer, the Prayer for the Ambulance Service, The Motorist's Prayer and the Civil Defence Prayer.

Following a sit-down meal, there will be further musical performances and recitations, along with addresses by Minister Canney, Assistant Garda Commissioner Ferry and Professor Denis Cusack of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety as well as IRVA board member Leo Lieghio and president Donna Price.

The event is open to all bereaved families and seriously injured victims as well as the emergency services and road safety advocates: "We just ask that they RSVP to reserve their place," said an IRVA spokesperson. That can be done via info@irva.ie.